LGBTQ+ people have played a vital role in the containment of the mpox outbreak, by taking the vaccines directly to the clubs to ensure those who were most at-risk would be protected.

When the fears of mpox started to circulate, older members of the community were taken back to the start of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s.

“It was a scary time,” Darian Aaron, News Director for the LGBTQ advocacy nonprofit GLAAD told Oregon Live(opens in a new tab). It was hard to get appointments to get [mpox] vaccines. A lot of queer men were very scared and very angry. It reminded us of old scars.”

Queer-led community organizations continue to advocate for the mpox vaccine, ensuring access for those in need.

Central Outreach offers walk-in mpox vaccine appointments for anyone at risk of contracting it. To learn more about mpox, visit the CDC’s website.(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab)